Factsheet 4 - Preventing Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders

Our common priority “Turn your Back on Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders” is the theme for the European Week for Safety and Health at Work being run by the 15 European Union Member States during October 2000. Musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) are one of the most common workrelated ailments affecting millions of European workers across all employment sectors at a cost of billions of Euros to European employers (see Agency Factsheet “Work-related Musculokeletal Disorders in Europe” (2)). However, much of the problem could be prevented or reduced by following existing health and safety regulations and guidance on good practice.